Painful decisions

Alexander looked at Will and then Slag. He immediately understood the situation. Foreign civilizations might have ulterior intentions and sharing information about Earth might end up being detrimental. Alexander himself raised the same concern with his grandfather. His grandfather told him that they could stop people for some time, but as more people started frequenting the Inn they would not be able to stop people from talking. To paraphrase what he said next, he should use his advantage to glean as much information about others as he could. The actual phrase about 'stripping and whipping' others Alexander didn't want to think about.

"Please, no need for such formalities," Alexander said to Will, and gestured to them to have a seat.

"Lieutenant Slag, please have a set as well. My name is Alexander."